Transport

Once a dog or cat has been reserved for adoption or matched with a foster home in England, preparations begin in Romania to get them ready for travel.

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This process includes:

• Completion of all vaccinations (including rabies, worming, and flea treatments)

• Comprehensive health testing

• Microchipping

• Preparation of required documentation

• Testing

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Every dog and cat must have a passport and health book in order to travel.

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Transport Partner
We work with All4Dogs, a DEFRA-approved animal transport company that fully complies with all DEFRA and EU regulations. All4Dogs operates their own TRACES centre in Romania, where our animals complete a 48-hour pre-departure quarantine (as required by Romanian DSV regulations). Their licensed veterinarians issue all necessary travel and export documents.

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Transport Standards

All4Dogs holds Type 2 Transport Licences issued by both the UK and EU. Their vehicles are:

• Regularly inspected and subject to spot checks by DEFRA/APHA upon entry into the UK

• Equipped with regulated cages, climate control (temperature and humidity), and are regularly cleaned to ensure a clean and safe enviroment for the animals.

• Operated by two trained drivers per van,.

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Each animal travels in their own secure space with constant access to water. They are fed and cleaned regularly throughout the journey.

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Journey Process

• Transport Chat Group:
  A few days before departure, we set up a group chat with adopters, foster carers, and admins. This is where we share transport updates, send contracts, and handle final payments.

• Collection Day in Romania:
  On the day of transport, the van travels across Romania collecting animals from each foster. Microchips and documents are checked and handed to the drivers.

• TRACES Centre Check:
  Once on board, the animals are taken to the TRACES centre for final welfare checks and export certification.

• Journey to the UK:
  The van travels through Hungary, Austria, Germany, and France to Calais. The trip typically takes 24–26 hours, depending on traffic, weather, and border checks. 

• Pet Reception & UK Entry:
  At Calais, animals and documents are checked at Pet Reception before boarding the EuroTunnel (approx. 35 mins) or ferry (approx. 90 mins) to the UK.

• Upon arrival in Folkestone, DEFRA may conduct additional spot checks (usually around one hour). Once cleared, the transport company provides estimated arrival times and route details.

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Constant Communication

Throughout the entire journey, our team stays in direct contact with both the transport company and the drivers. We are available to provide real-time updates and support to adopters and fosters every step of the way.